So, I think that I have exhausted all the avenues that are available to myself now and I guess that the subject matter is a little bit specialised being a Territorial Regiment with limited interest. Sadly, I only know of two Hertfordshire Regiment collectors on the forum, orasot and gb64 with any knowledge of the regiment and my outside contacts have drawn a blank
So given the lack of evidence on all fronts, I believe and I am ready to be corrected, that Churchill was using rumours, hearsay and word of mouth, much like Gaylor when he published his works.
I will let this one rest now until I can find more time to probe that little bit deeper than I already have.....